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Member Spotlight: Ben Houseman, CFP

Ben Houseman, the 2021 President of SHRM of Greater St. Louis, is a Certified Financial Planner^® practitioner and Houseman Financial & Insurance Services LLC Principal. Upon joining SHRM of Greater St. Louis in 2013, he immediately became a volunteer on our chapter’s membership committee. In 2017, he became the Vice President of the Membership Committee - serving in that role until 2019.

Ben serves on several boards, including New York Life Insurance Company’s Agent Advisory Council. He is an active member of NAIFA (the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors), where he served as the Director of Membership for the St. Louis chapter in 2014. Encouraged to become involved with the Alzheimer’s Association through one of his clients, he found a passion for the cause. This passion led him to serve as the 2019-2020 Fundraising Chair for the Longest Day (an annual fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri). The disease has touched many people in his life, including his clients. While Fundraising Chair, he hosted a personal fundraiser for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease through a live stream amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ben expressed that he values finding harmony between business, service, and his personal life. He enjoys hiking with his dogs, Stuckey and Auggie, as well as the love of his life Jennifer. He finds inspiration from reading biographies and books on business & self-improvement. During his reading, a quote by Les Brown has inspired him above all others, “Help others achieve their dreams, and you will achieve yours.” Ben uses that to drive change in how he conducts his business and volunteering efforts. He strongly believes through community and connection, any goal is within reach.

Ben lamented, “When we fill our hearts with gratitude, there is space for little else.” He finds that gratitude, acts of service, and inspiring others to lead are among the best ways to support others – Now, More Than Ever.